The Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School in Herat, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-national-museum-of-afghanistan-is-a-timeless-cube-of-sustainable-design-for-kabul/" target="_blank">Afghanistan</a> is an incredible example of school design in a war-torn area, and it has been shortlisted for the <a href="http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project.asp?id=4002" target="_blank">2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture</a>. Designed by <a href="http://www.2ap.it/" target="_blank">2A + P/A</a>, the bright blue complex is enclosed by a high boundary wall that provides additional safety. Designed to utilize natural lighting and ventilation, the school also has a garden, which doubles as a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rooftop-running-track-slashes-chicheng-primary-schools-footprint-in-china/" target="_blank">green classroom</a>, giving students a modern and sustainable education.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

The innovative school was built as an homage to <a href="http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Grazia_Cutuli" target="_blank">Maria Grazia Cutuli</a>, an Italian journalist murdered in Afghanistan in 2001.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

The school’s designed is like a small walled village, giving students everything they need inside the complex, which not only helps to protect but is also necessary in the remote area.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

The rising brick and conrete wall and buildings were painted a rich blue, to emulate the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapis_lazuli" target="_blank">lapis lazuli</a> pigment in local pottery.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

Brick cladding covers reinforced concrete, to keep costs down, while also insulating the interior of the hot temperatures.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

Eight classrooms center around an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/miguel-marcelinos-gorgeous-three-courtyards-house-hugs-the-portuguese-landscape/" target="_blank">interior courtyard</a>, which is used for an outdoor classroom, recess and breaks. A garden brings a blast of greenery, but also serves as a green classroom, giving children a lesson in agriculture and sustainable farming. The central library is double height, allowing natural light to filter within through dozens of windows.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

The school acts as a safe haven for children in the war-torn country, providing a safe and innovative place to learn.

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Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School

The Maria Grazia Cutuli Primary School in Herat, Afghanistan is an incredible example of school design in a war-torn area, and it has been shortlisted for the 2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Designed by 2A + P/A, the bright blue complex is enclosed by a high boundary wall that provides additional safety. Designed to utilize natural lighting and ventilation, the school also has a garden, which doubles as a green classroom, giving students a modern and sustainable education.